Food for Thought program at libraries

The Minden and Lake Tahoe branches of the library have teamed with In-N-Out Burger for their Food For Thought reading program. The program runs through April 18 and children ages 4-12 are invited to participate.

Enrollment is as easy as filling out a file card at either branch. For every five books read at their reading level, participants earn an achievement award redeemable for an In-N-Out burger. Children too young to read may have a parent read to them.

Questions may be directed to the Minden library at 782-9841 or the Lake Tahoe Branch Library at 588-6411.

A special note: The In-N-Out Burger Food for Thought program is not affiliated with Carson City's nonprofit "Food for Thought" which provides food for schoolchildren in need. For information about that program, go to www.nvfoodforthought.org.

Minden story time

My sons and I visited the Minden library on a recent Wednesday morning for some fun story time. Everyone met in the castle area of the children's section. We had a fantastic time listening to the stories Miss Maria had chosen, and the children all enjoyed placing each book's characters on a felt board as she read.

After the stories, each child was given a small instrument to play as we sang along to familiar musical selections.

This special program is designed for children ages 18 months to three years. Join the fun on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. through April 1.

Ongoing story time for children ages 3 and older is 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. For more information, call the Minden library at 782-9841.

Keep eyes open for owls

The other evening after dinner, my family and I decided to take advantage of the newly extended light and head out for a walk. My son Sam and I cruised a little ways ahead while Scott hung back with our younger son, Max.

Max stopped abruptly in front of a house and pointed up. "Owl," he said. "Owl, owl."

Scott saw what he thought was a decoy perched on the apex of the home's roof. That is, until the giant owl turned its head.

He then tried to get our attention with an urgent whisper but we were out of earshot. When Scott called out loud enough for us to hear him, the owl took off.

"Oh, man, you missed it!" he said. "That owl was huge!"

The fact that not-yet 2-year-old Max saw what the rest of us passed by didn't surprise me all that much. We have taken to calling him Dr. Dolittle because he seems to have a way with animals, whether it's pointing out new horses in pastures or resting his cheek against the furry side of a dog. He just has this natural affinity for noticing and relating to them.

Looking for the owl has become a game on our evening walks. Keep your eyes open and maybe you'll spot it too!

n Reach Amy Roby at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com